With just 10 days to go until the doors open at the NEC Birmingham, now is the perfect time to start planning your visit to make sure you get the very best from the show.
From discovering new brands to hearing from celebrity speakers and enjoying live demonstrations, there’s plenty to see and do throughout the weekend. A little preparation before you arrive can help make you make the most of every moment!
Here’s our 10 top tips for planning your visit to the Allergy & Free From Show on 9-10 May.
1. Pre-book your tickets
Save time when you arrive by registering for your tickets in advance and having them ready to scan at the entrance. Doors open on Saturday at 9am and Sunday at 10am.
2. CHECK THE AGENDA IN ADVANCE
There’s 50+ speakers across the weekend who will be sharing their insights on a range of topics to help those managing life with allergies. The Inspiration Stage sponsored by Koko Dairy Free will host celebrity speakers including Becky Excell, Aimee Vivian, Becky Adlington, Professor Adam Fox and Ella Mills. The Kitchen sponsored by Arla LactoFREE will have live demonstrations showcasing new recipes with TV Chef & Presenter, Kwoklyn Wan, Sarah Howells, The Gluten Free Blogger and Julianne Ponan MBE.
New for 2026 is the Hormone Health Hub which will host a series of panels, keynotes from leading specialists and interactive discussions focusing on topics including menopause, fertility and the impact of nutrition and exercise on hormone balance.
Be sure to check out the agenda so you don’t miss the talks and topics you’re most interested in and so you catch your must-see moments of the weekend!
3. Book a FREE MK ReformeD On The Mat Pilates Session
New for 2026 is the MK Reformed On The Mat Pilates sessions. There’s 3 session each day for visitors to take part in which are suitable for all levels. These sessions will focus on controlled movements and mindful breathing to support overall fitness and wellbeing. Book your free Mat Pilates session here.
4. Create a list of brands you want to meet
With over 150 brands across the show floor, we recommend you look at the exhibitor list to make sure you’re familiar with the brands and you know where their stands are to make moving round the hall as easy as possible.
5. Plan your journey to the NEC Birmingham
Where possible, we encourage all visitors to travel to the show via public transport or car-sharing to reduce your environmental impact and make your journey more sustainable. The NEC Birmingham is conveniently located a short 5 minute walk from Birmingham International Train Station. If you do need to drive to the show, we recommend booking your parking in advance as you can save £5 by doing so. Find out more here.
6. Assign & Download your tickets for a smooth entry
If you’ve already secured your tickets, please make sure you’ve assigned them either to yourself or your guests that you’re bringing with you. Once assigned, you can save your PDF for easy access.
7. benefit from a fast-track ticket to the meet & greets with celebrity speakers
Get even closer to some of the biggest names at the Allergy & Free From Show this year with our Meet & Greet sponsored by Vitalite opportunity. New for this year is the Fast-Track queue where attendees can get priority access and more time to chat, take a photo, and get autographs. If you prefer, you can still meet the speakers without paying as there will be general admission queues. Fast Track simply gives you a little extra convenience and ensures you won’t miss out. Speakers you can book Fast-Track tickets for include Becky Adlington, Ella Mills & Dr Megan Rossi. Book fast-track tickets here.
8. Bringing your family? Check out the family trail!
If you’re visiting with children, be sure to pick up the Family Trail on arrival. Designed to make the show more engaging for a younger audience, it helps guide families around the show, meet child-friendly brands and ends in the Family Area where they’ll be goody bags filled with fantastic products for the first 100 families who complete the trail.
9. check out the balmonds skin hub agenda
If skin health is an important part of your free from journey, make sure you check out the Balmonds Skin Hub Agenda. With expert-led talks and practical sessions taking place throughout the weekend, the Skin Hub will offer helpful advice, product insight, support fopr anyone managing eczema, topical steroid withdrawal, and other related skin conditions.
10. Invite your friends to meet you at the show!
The Allergy & Free From Show is all about bringing people together so why not invite family and friends to meet you there? Whether they share your lifestyle or simply want to support you, exploring the show together makes the experience even more enjoyable and is a great way to connect with the wider allergy and free from community in a welcoming, inclusive space.
So, with just 10 days to go until the Allergy & Free From Show takes place at the NEC Birmingham, now is the perfect time to start planning your visit. A little preparation before you arrive can help you make the most of everything on offer, from expert talks and live features to shopping, sampling and connecting with the community. We can’t wait to welcome you for a weekend of inspiration, discovery and support!